Searching for a new run route, I set off towards a park I knew was nearby. I ran through neighborhoods, up hills, and all around town trying to find my way into the entrance of the park I just knew was around here somewhere. Finally, I decided I must either ask someone, or head home.
I scanned the streets for someone to approach. My eyes landed on an older gentleman standing in his driveway. His white hair was mostly covered by a hat and his hands were shoved deep in the pockets of his jacket. But he stood as content as can be, next to a parked car. The backseat door was wide open, and he stared inside with an admiring smile on his face, as if he were completely mesmerized and enthralled with what he saw.
I called down the long driveway from the sidewalk, "Excuse me sir, do you know how to get to the park entrance from here?"
"Sure!" He yelled back without glancing up at me. His eyes remained locked on the backseat of the car. "Come and meet my grandson!" He added with pride.
Hesitantly, I walked down the long, winding driveway until I stood near the man and peeked into the backseat. A little boy, no older than a year, sat wide awake and buckled in his car seat. He was bundled so tight in his coat, hat, gloves, and boots, that the only part of him that could move was his little blonde head, which turned towards me when his grandpa said, "This is Tucker."
"Hello," I said to Tucker. His grandpa was able to turn his attention away for a few seconds, long enough to give me directions. And then he returned back to the business of admiring his precious grandson. I thanked him, said goodbye to Tucker, and found the park.
I thought about Tucker and his grandpa as I ran. I wondered if that was the first time they met, or a routine visit. I smiled thinking about their time together, and it seemed everything I saw in the park, could have been a nursery rhyme that Tucker's grandpa read to him.
London bridges falling down...
Sticks and stones may break but my bones, but words will never hurt me...
Over the river and through the woods, to grandfather's house we go...
Comments
"A truly great person never puts away the simplicity of a child"
Words to live by.
The little boy is lucky to have a grandfather who loves him so.
That park is gorgeous. I'm looking forward to more pictures from there, especially in spring and fall.
Elizabeth, you're a true poet. Your new running spot does look a nursery rhyme. Or a fairy tale! So beautiful. Wishing you many healthy, meditative runs in the park. :)